Highlight of summer

Medical student Savannah Fakhouri was happy to volunteer at AAD Camp Discovery.

Savannah’s story

As a place free of judgment and full of fun, Camp Discovery offered a sanctuary for campers to be adventurous, try new things, build lifelong friendships, and grow as individuals. One of my favorite parts of camp was witnessing campers transition from being shy and a little homesick to belting out their favorite songs on stage by the time the talent show rolled around.

As the week went on, we formed bonds sealed with friendship bracelets and to the tune of “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. Cheering the campers on as they rode a horse for the first time or working as a team to successfully complete an obstacle course was so fulfilling.

Additionally, my own vitiligo diagnosis during adolescence motivated me to ensure this would be a magical week for campers. My hope is that both the memories made and the confidence created at Camp Discovery remain with our campers beyond the time we spent together.

The campers, fellow counselors, medical staff, camp staff, and everyone else who made Camp Discovery possible made an unforgettable impact and re-emphasized the importance of patient-centered care along with the power of building connections with those facing similar challenges.

This experience served as a vital reminder that skin conditions are so much more than cosmetic and can impact several facets of patients’ lives. Thank you to the American Academy of Dermatology for its generosity in creating a wonderful week and making this an accessible, free experience for campers who come from all backgrounds.

Savannah Fakhouri with AAD member Susan Boiko, MD, FAAD.